9-Year-Old Critical After Grenade Explodes

A 9-year-old Lakeland boy was severely injured late Thursday afternoon, February 18, 2010, when a WWII “Pineapple” grenade exploded in his hand.

At approximately 5:25 pm, Polk County EMS received a 9-1-1 call from the boy’s mother, 39-year-old Ann Marie Weise, DOB 12/25/1970. The family resides on Sunnydale Lane in north Lakeland.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to assist. Upon their arrival they learned that the boy, Edward George Weise, III, was in the kitchen area of home when the explosion occurred. It appears the child was holding the grenade, and managed to ignite it causing the explosion. His injuries were severe and he was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition. Ms. Weise was uninjured, however, was also transported to Tampa General Hospital as a precautionary measure.

The grenade appears to have been hollow at some point; however, an explosive material had been placed inside. What the material was or how it came to be in the grenade remains under investigation.

Two PCSO bomb dog K-9 teams, along with members of the State Fire Marshal’s Office Bomb Squad conducted a sweep of the residence.

The boy was undergoing surgery late Thursday evening. He remains in critical condition.